Also on this trip

Trails Used

Wapack Trail, Kidder Trail, Spruce Knoll Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great day! Even despite the recent rain, NO water for many of the miles. Even if you're running light and fast, plan on an extra hydration bladder beyond the water flasks for the section from Nashua Road to Top of Pack Monadnock... even more if you're off of the hours the water will be on.

Parking

Parking for 8-10 at Northern and Southern terminus

Water Crossings

I don't think there were any until the end by North Pack!

Wildlife

Mob of black flies at North Pack lot, other than that it's what you'd expect. Defs some ticks coming down from Windblown shelter to 124.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Wapack Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Completed the "43 mile" out-and-back of the Wapack Trail, in a much more humble time of 16:31, compared to the 12-hour cutoff trail runners face in early May. I feel this trail is underrated both in scenery and challenge. Aside from the highly visited summits of Watatic, Pack Monadnock, and North Pack Monadnock, there were excellent outlooks near Binney Pond, from various points on the Pratt Mtn. - New Ipswich Mtn. ridgeline, and from a couple of spots near Burton Peak and Holt Peak. The rock ledges were almost entirely dry, and there were plenty of those to navigate despite the relatively low elevation. There were a few wet and muddy areas, but less than expected for April, and my shoes stayed dry with occasional attention to footing. Snow is completely gone at this point. Encountered many friendly hikers, primarily between Temple Rd. and the northern terminus, enjoying the 55-degree day and clear skies. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

There was plenty of parking at the Mt. Watatic trailhead, but I got there on a Friday (rather than a weekend) and at 5:30 AM.

Water Crossings

Water levels were relatively low, but I don't think there would be any problematic crossings regardless. All unbridged streams were easy rock hops.

Wildlife

A few flies were around, but they never bothered me, and the repellent remained unused for the 2026 season. Enjoying this luxury while it lasts.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Binney Hill Road, Wapack Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Happy to report that this route is 100% free of snow and ice. The road walk has some puddles and mud but the Wapack is dry. Wonderful to see bare ledge again here in the Wapack Range. Passed a few other folks including two who were traversing from Watatic to Windblown. Gorgeous day out there with bright sun and a light breeze.

Parking

At the maintained end of Binney Hill Rd. in New Ipswich (NOT West Binney Hill Rd. from NH 119). Room for four sensibly parked vehicles.

Wildlife

There was one. They will be here soon enough.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Wapack, Stateline

Trail Conditions

Notes

Spotted cars at Wapack lot across from Windblown Camping and at Mt. Watatic Trailhead in MA. Hiked north to south on Wapack. This was an OUTSTANDING ridgeline hike, with lots of views going across the ridge. Stony Top and the Binney Pond/Boston skyline/Watatic Overlook (just south of the Pratt summit) were among the highlights. As previously mentioned, the Wapack Trail was in great condition, except for slash from logging going up Barrett and one wobbly boardwalk section. Snow and ice were minimal and easily avoided. No need for light traction! Stateline Trail near Watatic needs some serious TLC. We took that as we already had done Wapack/Midstate to the state line. The total hike was about 8.4 miles and 1,800 feet elevation gain. If you wanted to do a great hike without doing a redline, I suggest spotting a car at the lot across from Windblown and another at the east end of Binney Hill Road (off Page Hill Road). The east end of Binney Hill Rd. has a small lot right where the pavement ends. This would save over a mile of uneventful walking vs. going to the Watatic Trailhead. Tom, Melissa and I finished our Wapack Redline today at the NH/MA state line. For Tom and me, it was a northward extension of the Midstate Trail, which we finished in late 2024.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Wapack lot across from Windblown Camping (NH route 124) and at Mt. Watatic Trailhead on route 119 in MA.

Water Crossings

Small and easily crossed

Wildlife

None yet!